Circuit for and method of receiving data to control the operation of a configurable light timer

ABSTRACT

A circuit in a configurable light timer for receiving data to control the operation of the configurable light timer is described. The circuit comprises an input portion coupled to receive first data from a portable memory device by way of a connector on the configurable light timer; and a data transceiver coupled to receive wireless communication signals according to a wireless communication protocol, the wireless communication signals comprising second data for implementing the configurable light timer; wherein the second data coupled to the configurable light timer by way of the wireless communication link comprises timing characterization data. A method of receiving data to control the operation of the configurable light timer is also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to light timers, and inparticular, to a circuit for and a method of receiving data to controlthe operation of a configurable light timer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional timers for lights, such as timers for indoor lamps oroutdoor lights for example, either provide little functionality, or aredifficult to program. Because of the limited size of the conventionaltimers, the size of the screen and the size of the interface forprogramming the timer are both relatively small. This is particularlytrue of an in-wall timer, which must fit in an electrical box, commonlycalled a junction box. Not only does a user of the in-wall timer have toread a very small display, but the user has to advance through a menushown on the small display using a very limited interface which isprovided on the remaining portion of the timer. Entering data on such auser interface is particularly difficult because the in-wall timer isfixed and generally positioned well below eye level.

Further, conventional timers are often unreliable. For example,conventional mechanical timers often malfunction over time, leaving theuser without the use of the timer for some period of time and requiringthe user to incur the expense of replacing the timer. Moreover, advancedelectronic timers may be sufficiently complicated to operate, providinga barrier to certain groups of people who would otherwise use a timer,but don't want to struggle through a complex interface on the smallscreen of the timer to properly set the timer. These groups of users areeither left with no timing operation for their lights, or timers whichdo not provide the timing operation that they desire. Without aneffective timer for a light for example, the light may be onsignificantly longer than necessary, not only wasting energy but in manycases increasing pollution as a result. As energy consumption world-widecontinues to increase, it is important to reduce or minimize theconsumption of energy in any way possible. The timer of the presentinvention provides significant benefits in reducing energy consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A circuit in a configurable light timer for receiving data to controlthe operation of the configurable light timer is described. The circuitcomprises an input portion coupled to receive first data from a portablememory device by way of a connector on the configurable light timer; anda data transceiver coupled to receive wireless communication signalsaccording to a wireless communication protocol, the wirelesscommunication signals comprising second data for implementing theconfigurable light timer; wherein the second data coupled to theconfigurable light timer by way of the wireless communication linkcomprises timing characterization data.

According to another implementation, a circuit in a configurable lighttimer for receiving data to control the operation of the configurablelight timer comprises a timer having an input portion adapted to receivea portable memory device; and a data transceiver coupled to the timer,the data transceiver adapted to receive data according to a wirelesscommunication protocol by way of a wireless communication link; whereinthe data coupled to the timer by way of the wireless communication linkcomprises timing characterization data.

A method of receiving data at a configurable light timer to control theoperation of the configurable light timer is also described. The methodcomprises receiving a portable memory device in the configurable lighttimer; accessing first data from the portable memory device; receivingsecond data at the data transceiver according to a predeterminedwireless communication protocol, the second data comprising timingcharacterization data for implementing the configurable light timer; andimplementing the configurable light timer using the timingcharacterization data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for implementing a plurality oflight timers according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a front panel of an in-wall light timeraccording to a embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a front panel of an in-wall light timeraccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a front panel of an in-wall light timeraccording to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a front panel of an in-wall light timeraccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a front panel of an in-wall light timeraccording to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first side of the embodiments of FIGS.2-6 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of second side of an embodiment enabling awireless transceiver according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a timer having a front panel according to FIGS.1-6 and adapted to be implemented with a wall outlet according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the a circuit enabling the operation ofthe embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 and 9 according to a first embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the a circuit enabling the operation ofthe embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 and 9 according to a second embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the a circuit enabling the operation ofthe embodiment of FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the data transceiver 1202 of FIG. 12according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the front of a module comprisingthe wireless transceiver according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the module comprising the wireless transceiverof FIG. 14 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an electrical box adapted to receive an in-wall light timerand a wireless transceiver according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is a program screen enabling the entry of timingcharacterization data by a computer for implementing a light timeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a program screen enabling the entry of advanced settings oftiming characterization data by a computer for implementing a lighttimer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a program screen enabling the entry of timingcharacterization data for a plurality of on/off periods for implementinga light timer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a program screen enabling the entry of timingcharacterization data for a single on/off period for implementing alight timer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a program screen enabling the entry of timingcharacterization data by a computer for a daylight savings feature whenimplementing a light timer according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 22A and 22B are a program screen enabling the entry of multiplesets of timing characterization data when implementing a light timeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing a method of generating timingcharacterization data according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing a method of loading timingcharacterization data according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing a method of accessing timingcharacterization data from a plurality of sources according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing a method of configuring multiple timersaccording to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing a method of implementing a timer using awireless transceiver according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Turning first to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a system for implementing aplurality of light timers is shown. The system of FIG. 1 comprises abuilding 102 receiving a source of power from a power line 104 coupledto an electric box 106 for supplying electrical current to the building102. The building 102 may comprise various light elements at variouslocations, both internal and external as well as upstairs anddownstairs, and which are powered by electrical wiring 108 representedby the framing of the building as shown. On the lower level, an outdoorlight 112 which is fixed to a wall is controlled by a switch 114 in thefront of the building, while a second outdoor light 116 in the back ofthe building is controlled by a switch 118. The lower level includes aportable light 120 which is plugged into an outlet 122, and an upperlevel also has a portable light 124 which is plugged into an outlet 126.The building is also coupled to a communication network 128, such as atelephone or cable network, for downloading data, such as computerprograms. A computer 130 is adapted to receive a computer program storedon an electronic media such as a portable memory device, or may receivethe computer program from the communication network. While thearrangement of lights, outlets, and switches are shown by way of examplein FIG. 1 for purposes of explanation, it should be understood thatother arrangements of and additional lights, outlets and switches couldbe employed. As will be described in more detail below, the timers ofthe present invention could be implemented as any of the switches orwith any of the outlets/portable lights of the building. As will becomeapparent, the circuits and methods of the present invention provide asimplified way of configuring a timer by downloading timingcharacterization data from a portable memory device and optionallyreceiving other, simpler timing characterization inputs from actuatorson the timer.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a front panel of an in-wallconfigurable light timer is shown. As shown in FIG. 2, a timer 202comprises an input portion 203 having a slot 204 for receiving aportable memory device. An optional configuration actuator 206 enables auser of the in-wall light timer to cause data to be downloaded to amemory of the device. However, as will be described in more detailbelow, the light timer could detect when a portable memory device isinserted into the slot 204 and automatically download data from theportable memory device to a memory device of the in-wall timer. As canbe seen, the slot 204 is easily accessible on the front of the in-walltimer. Information related to storing timing characterization data onthe portable memory device and an optional internal memory of the timerwill be provided in more detail below. A feedback portion, comprising astatus indicator light 208 according to the embodiment of FIG. 2,enables a user to determine a status of the in-wall timer. The statusindicator light could be a multicolor light emitting diode (LED) forexample.

By way of example, a red light provided by the status indicator 208could indicate that the timer does not have data or that it is notoperating properly, an orange light provided by the status indicatorcould indicate that the in-wall timer is receiving timingcharacterization data from a portable memory device inserted in slot204, and a green light could indicate that timing characterization datahas been successfully downloaded and the portable memory device may beremoved. Alternatively, according to an embodiment described in moredetail in reference to FIG. 10, the portable memory device would remainin the in-wall timer and function to provide timing characterizationdata necessary for the in-wall timer to operate. According to a furtherembodiment, the status indicator 308 may flash red when the timer is notfunctioning properly, allowing the status light to show red when thelights attached to the timer are turned off, and green when the lightsare turned on. Such an implementation of the actuator would enable thestatus indicator to not only provide immediate feedback to a user (i.e.enable the user to see the status of the light attached to the timerwithout going to the light to see the status in the case of an outdoorlight), but also enable a user to see if the timer is not providing thecorrect or a desired setting for the light. For example, a user maynotice that the status indicator is red at a time when the user believesthat the light should be on or when a user would like the light to beon. The user can then reload the timing characterization data to ensurethat the data is correct and includes the data that the user desires.Such user feedback can lead to a significant reduction in energy incases where lights are on longer than necessary.

An optional on/off actuator 210 may also be implemented to enable a userto manually override the timing characterization data and turn on or offa light attached to the in-wall timer. The on/off actuator 210 comprisesa movable switch 212 which may between an “off” position, a “timer”position, and an “on” position. When the moveable switch 212 is in thetimer position, the timer would operate according to timingcharacterization data stored on or downloaded from a portable memorydevice and received by way of input actuators on the timer. When themoveable switch 212 is moved to the “off” position, the timer will causea light attached to the timer to remain off. Conversely, when themoveable switch 212 is moved to the “on” position, the timer will causea light attached to the timer to remain on. The movable switch 212preferably may be pressed inward when in the “timer” position tooverride the current setting until the next switching of the lightattached to the timer. For example, if a light is set in the on state,the light will be turned off when the moveable switch 212 is pressed andwill remain off until the timer is set to turn the light on again.Alternatively, if a light is currently set in the off state, the lightwill be turned on when the moveable switch 212 is pressed and willremain on until the timer is set to turn the light off again. While themoveable switch 212 provides on example of an actuator for manuallycontrolling a light attached to the timer, it should be understood thatother actuators could be employed according to the invention.

Brackets 214 and 216 enable the attachment of the timer to an electricalbox coupled to a stud of a wall, for example, as will be described inmore detail below in reference to FIG. 16. Finally, a cover, such as ahinged cover may cover the input portion 203. While the embodiment ofFIG. 2 has an optional status indicator light 208, the embodiment ofFIG. 2 has no display, providing a significant cost reduction comparedto conventional timers. As can be seen, the slot 204 is on a frontsurface of the timer having brackets 214 and 216, making it simple toinsert and remove a portable memory device in a timer which is mountedflush with a wall. According to the embodiment of FIG. 2, a displayless,actuatorless timer is provided.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a front panel of an in-walllight timer according to a second embodiment of the present invention isshown. According to the embodiment of FIG. 3, a display 302 providesadditional feedback and data and enables a user to see one or morecurrent settings of the timer and to determine whether the timer isoperating properly. More particularly, the display 302 comprises a clockportion 304 which may be set to display “12-hour time” where a separateAM-PM portion 306 would indicate whether the current time was AM or PM(shown here as PM). The display would also preferably include aday-of-the-week portion 308, where the current day of the week is shownhere to be Tuesday. The embodiment of FIG. 3 also preferably includes anon/off indicator 309 which will show either “on” or “off” highlighted toindicate a current setting of the timer.

A review indicator 310 may be implemented to enable an evaluation of thetiming characterization data. The review actuator may then be pressed,for example, to determine the timing characteristics of the timer. Thatis, when the review actuator is pressed, the entire timingcharacterization will be shown on the display. For example, the daystarting with Sunday would be indicated on the display with the on andoff times being indicated in sequence with a corresponding time for eachon an off setting by the on/off indicator 308. According to alternateembodiments, the depressing the review actuator will cause the timingcharacterization of the current day to be displayed, where depressing ofthe review actuator again would cause the timing characterization datafor the following day to be displayed. According to the alternateembodiment, depressing and holding the review actuator for apredetermined period of time would cause the entire timingcharacterization data from Sunday to Saturday to be displayed.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of a front panel of an in-walllight timer according to a third embodiment of the present invention isshown. According to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the input portion 203comprises an actuator portion enabling a user to set the current day andtime on the timer. That is, a day actuator 402 enables the selection ofthe current day which is displayed on the display 302 and used by thetimer in implementing an on/off function of the timer. A hour actuator404 and minute actuator 406 are also provided for enabling a user toset, from the timer, the current time to be displayed on the display andused by the timer. Each depression of an actuator 402, 404 or 406 willenable advancing data in the display to advance to the next value. Theconfiguration (CF) actuator 206 and review (RE) actuator 310 are alsoprovided according to the embodiment of FIG. 4. As will be described inmore detail below, the data entered by way of the actuators 402-406 willbe stored on a memory device used by the timer, such as a portablememory device or internal memory device of the timer.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, embodiments having multiple settingselection actuators are shown. In particular, a perspective view of afront panel of an in-wall light timer according to the embodiment ofFIG. 5 shows a daylight savings time (DST) actuator 502 which willenable the selection of a daylight savings function. According to oneembodiment, the DST actuator will be used to manually select timingcharacterization data to be implemented during daylight savings time.According to another embodiment, the setting of the DST actuator to “on”will change the clock to the correct DST time when the date changes todaylight savings time based upon calendar data stored in the memory anda current date. According to that embodiment, the timer will alsoautomatically operate according to timing characterization data to beimplemented during daylight savings time when the current date is duringdaylight savings time.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of a front panel of an in-walllight timer according to a fifth embodiment the present invention isshown. According to the embodiment of FIG. 6, a multiple settingselection actuator 602 may be implemented to allow the user to selectbetween one of multiple settings. While four settings designated A-D areshown here, it should be understood that a greater number or a fewernumber of settings could be employed. As will be described in moredetail below, the DST actuator 502 could also be employed in conjunctionwith the multiple setting selection actuator 602, where each setting A-Dwould also have a separate set of timing characterization data for eachof the daylight savings time and standard time. On benefit of themultiple setting selection actuators, such as the DST actuator 502 orthe multiple setting selection actuator 602 is that they enable a userto change the setting without entering a menu on the display. That is,the DST actuator 502 or the multiple setting selection actuator 602comprises dedicated actuators, where a signal indicating that aparticular set of timing characterization data is desired is generatedin response to the selection by the DST actuator 502 or the multiplesetting selection actuator 602.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a perspective view of a first side of theembodiments of FIGS. 2-6 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. In particular, a first side of the timer comprises arecessed portion 702 of the housing of timer 202 having electricalcontacts 704, 706 and 707 for receiving wires of the electrical wiring108 of the building 102 by way of screws, for example. As will bedescribed in more detail below in reference to FIGS. 10-12, the timerwill function as a switch for applying power or disabling power from asource of power to a light provided by way of the contacts 704 or 706according to timing characterization data for the timer. According toone embodiment, contact 704 which is to be coupled to a source of areference input voltage and the contact 706 comprises an output terminalis adapted to be coupled to the positive terminal of the light.Accordingly, an output terminal, which is coupled to either a positiveterminal or a negative terminal of the light, is disconnected from areference voltage, such as a reference input voltage or a groundvoltage, to turn the light off. However, other arrangements includingadditional contacts such as a grounding contact 707 could be employed.Upper attachment elements 708 and lower attachment elements 710 enablethe attachment of the timer to an electrical box. As will be describedin more detail below, the upper attachment elements 708 and lowerattachment elements 710 may comprise projections which are received incorresponding tracks of the electrical box or an adapter placed in theelectrical box, for example.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a perspective view of a second side of anembodiment enabling a wireless transceiver according to an embodiment ofthe present invention is shown. A second side 802 of the timer,preferably opposite the first side 701, comprises contact elements804-810. As will be described in more detail below, the contactelements, shown here as contact pads, are adapted to be coupled tocorresponding contacts of a wireless communication module which may beused for downloading timing characterization data to the timer. The side802 of the timer also comprises upper attachment elements 812 and lowerattachment elements 814 which are received by corresponding tracks ofthe electrical box or an adapter placed in the electrical box.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a side view shows a timer having a front panelaccording to FIGS. 1-6 and adapted to be implemented with a wall outletaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. The side view ofFIG. 9 shows standard prongs 902 which are adapted to be inserted intoan electrical outlet and a receiving portion 904 for receiving theprongs of a plug of a portable light, for example. While the embodimentsof FIGS. 2-8 relate to an in-wall timer, the features, interfaces andoperation of the in-wall timer described in FIGS. 2-6 would equallyapply to an outlet timer as described in FIG. 9 (according to a displayportion and input portion 203 on front surface 906).

Turning now to FIG. 10, a block diagram of a circuit enabling theoperation of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 and 9 according to a firstembodiment of the present invention is shown. According to theembodiment of FIG. 10, a control circuit 1002 is coupled to atransformer 1004 which receives a source of power such as a referenceinput voltage (e.g. a voltage applied to the building and received bythe timer by way of the contact 704). The control circuit 1002 may be aprocessor, such as a microprocessor for example. The input voltage maybe coupled to the transformer 1004 which generates a reference voltageon an internal voltage line 1006. The voltage generated on the internalvoltage line 1006 may comprise a low voltage (e.g. 5 volts for poweringcircuit elements of the timer 202) which may be coupled to the otherelements by the control circuit 1002. A backup battery 1008 is alsocoupled to the control circuit, and may be charged by the voltageapplied to the control circuit and used by the control circuit to powerother elements of the timer 202 in the event of a loss of power. Thecontrol circuit is also coupled to the input portion 203 to receiveinputs entered by a user, as well as the display 302 to display thestatus of the timer as set forth above. The control circuit is alsocoupled to an oscillator 1011 which enables the control circuit tomaintain the time for the timer after a current time is supplied to thetimer.

Also shown in FIG. 10 is the slot 204 for receiving a portable memorydevice 1010. The slot comprises a connector 1012 having contact elements1014 for mating with corresponding contact elements 1016 of the portablememory device 1010. The slot 204 may have a depth (d) which is justslightly less than the length (l) of the portable memory device so thatthe portable memory device extends slightly outside of the timer. Theslot may also comprise a spring loaded slot enabling a user to depressthe portable memory device, resulting in the portable memory deviceextending further outside the slot so that it can easily be removed fromthe slot. The control circuit 1002 accesses the portable memory deviceby way of a communication link 1018, which may be a bidirectional databus. The portable memory device could be any type of non-volatile memorydevice. By way of example, the portable memory device could be, but notlimited to, a secure digital (SD) card, a Sony brand “memory stick”, orportable USB memory device. According to one embodiment, the connector1012 could be a connector for receiving a portable universal serial bus(USB) memory device. The slot may be configured to receive the portablememory device, where the portable memory device may reside within theslot during normal operation, or have a connector substantially at thesurface of the timer, where the portable memory device is generallycoupled to the connector of the slot during configuration or whenotherwise necessary and then removed.

The timer also comprises a switch 1020 which enables the application ofa voltage provided by a voltage line 1022 from the transformer 1004 to alight, such as light 112. The voltage on voltage line 1022 is theappropriate voltage for providing power at the light, which may be theinput voltage or a voltage which is greater than or less than the inputvoltage. The switch is controlled by a control signal 1024. When theswitch is closed, the voltage at the voltage line 1022 is provided to apositive electrical terminal of the light, while a negative electricalterminal of the light is coupled to second reference voltage designatedas a ground (GND) voltage. According to an alternate embodiment, theswitch could be between a negative terminal of the light and a groundnode to connect or disconnect the ground potential. In either case, theswitch functions to decouple a reference voltage from the device whichis being controlled by the timer, therefore disabling the device. Aswill be described in more detail below, the control signal 1024 coupledto control the switch 1020 is generated by the control circuit 1002according to timing characterization data stored in the portable memorydevice 1010. The control circuit 1002 will also enable the current timeand date to be displayed, as well as enable other functions such as thereview function to review the timing characterization data in responseto the selection of the review actuator 310 of the input portion 203.During normal operation, the control circuit enables the timer to runcontinuously, and more particularly, in a repeating pattern, eitherdaily or weekly for example, according to the timing characterizationdata.

Turning now to FIG. 11, a block diagram of a circuit enabling theoperation of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 and 9 according to a secondembodiment the present invention is shown. As described above inreference to FIGS. 2-6, data on the portable memory device may be loadedinto a memory 1102 by the control circuit 1002. The memory 1102 may be afixed, internal memory, for example. Alternatively, the data on theportable memory device may be stored in a memory cache 1104 of theprocessor, thereby reducing the cost of the timer. According to theembodiment of FIG. 11, the portable memory device 1010 may be removedand used to configure another timer in the building. Rather thanaccessing the timing characterization data from the portable memorydevice, the control circuit would access the timing characterizationdata from the memory 1102 or a cache memory 1104 of the processor afterthe timing characterization data is downloaded and the portable memorydevice is removed. For example, the control circuit 1002 would providethe necessary read and write access signals to read and write data fromto the memory 1102 by way of a data access bus 1104. That is, thecontrol circuit would access the data from the portable memory device1010 by way of the communication link 1018, which may comprise a dataaccess bus enabling reading from the memory and provide that data to thememory 1102 by way of the data access bus 1104 for later access.

Turning now to FIG. 12, a block diagram of a circuit enabling theoperation of the embodiment of FIG. 8 is shown. According to theembodiment of FIG. 12, rather than receiving data by way of the portablememory device, a wireless data transceiver 1202 having an antenna 1204is coupled to the control circuit 1002 by way of a communication link1206. The communication link 1206 may comprise a bi-directional serialbus, for example. An example of a wireless data transceiver is providedin more detail in reference to FIG. 13.

Turning now to FIG. 13, a block diagram of the data transceiver 1202 ofFIG. 12 is shown. In particular, the antenna 1204 receives wirelesscommunication signals according to a predetermined wirelesscommunication protocol. The data may be sent to the data transceiver1202 by way of a computer, such a computer 130, having or incommunication with a corresponding data transceiver 1202. The receiveddata is coupled to a combined mixer/voltage controlled oscillator 1306,the output of which is coupled to an intermediate frequency (IF) circuit1308. Based upon outputs of the IF circuit and a phase locked loop (PLL)1310, a mixer 1312 generates the received data. An analog-to-digitalconverter (ADC) 1314 then generates digital data representing the timingcharacterization data.

The control circuit may also provide data to the data transceiver fortransmission to the computer 130. Data to be transmitted from the datatransceiver 1202 is coupled to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 1316,the output of which is coupled to a modulator 1318 which is also coupledto a PLL1320. A power amplifier receives the output of the modulator todrive the antenna 1204 and transmit the data. According to oneembodiment, the data transceiver could implement the IEEE Specification802.11 wireless communication standard. While the circuit of FIG. 13 isprovided by way of example, other wireless data transceivers could beemployed according to the present invention.

Turning now to FIG. 14, a perspective view showing the front of a modulecomprising the wireless transceiver according to an embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. As shown in FIG. 14, a wireless datatransceiver 1202 comprises brackets 1404 and 1406 which enable it to beattached to an electrical box. The wireless data transceiver alsocomprises a status indicator 1408 and a reset actuator 1410. By way ofexample, a green light may indicate that the transceiver is workingproperly, a flashing green light may indicate that the transceiver issending or receiving data, and a red light may indicate that thetransceiver is not functioning properly. The reset actuator may beselected to reset the transceiver, for example by requesting that thecomputer resend the timing characterization data. Unlike conventionaltimers which receive individual commands, such as individual on or offtime commands comprising a real time command, the circuit of FIG. 14enables the transfer of timing characterization data to a timer, wherethe timing characterization data is stored in a memory of the timer inreal time. The timer operates using the timing characterization datarather than on and off commands provided by a wireless connection to thetimer. Alternatively, only data which is changed from previous data maybe downloaded.

The wireless data transceiver 1202 also comprises a plurality of contactelements, shown here as contact pins 1412-1420 which are adapted to matewith the contact elements 804-810 of the timer of FIG. 8. The contactelements may comprise a power contact, a ground contact, and twocontacts of the bi-direction serial bus 1206. The side view of thewireless transceiver of FIG. 15 shows upper attachment elements 1502 andlower attachment elements 1504 which are received by correspondingtracks of the electrical box or an adapter placed in the electrical box.

Turning now to FIG. 16, an electrical box adapted to receive an in-walllight timer and a wireless transceiver according to an embodiment thepresent invention is shown. The electrical box 1602 preferably comprisesa receptacle 1603 for receiving both a timer in one bay and a wirelessdata transceiver in another bay. More particularly, a first portion ofconduit 1604 is coupled by a through-hole 1606 to a first bay 1608,where the through-hole enables power and ground wires, and the wiresassociated with a light to be accessible by the timer. The electricalbox 1602 is accessible from a second portion of conduit 1610 by athrough hole 1612. Rails 1614 and 1616, along with corresponding railson the opposite side of the first bay 1608, enable the attachment of thetimer to the receptacle 1603. A window 1618 enables the connection ofcontact elements 810-814 of the timer 202 and contact elements 1412-1420of the wires data transceiver 1202. That is, when the wireless datatransceiver is positioned in the second bay 1620 on rails 1622 and 1624(and corresponding rails on the opposite side of the second bay), thecontract elements of the timer and the wireless data transceiver will bealigned and in electrical contact through the window. The upper andlower attachment elements on each of the timer and wireless datatransceiver preferably extend far enough out from the sides of the timerto leave room for the wires. That is, after the wires are attached tothe timer and the timer is inserted into the first bay 1608, the wireswill fit between the wall of the insert having the rails 1614 and 1616and the side of the timer or below the timer. Finally, the box compriseselements 1626 for receiving screws to secure the timer and wireless datatransceiver to the box, and the receptacle 1603 comprises an element1628 for receiving a screw to secure a cover over the front of theelectrical box.

Turning now to FIG. 17, a program screen enabling the entry of timingcharacterization data by a computer for implementing a light timer isshown. The program screen of FIGS. 17-22 are provided on a display ofthe computer 130 in response to operating a computer program stored on amemory of the computer (or other computer-readable storage medium suchas a CR-ROM). Data entered on the various program screens of thecomputer program are stored on the portable memory device which may thenbe used by the timer as described above. By way of example, a USBportable memory device may be inserted in a USB port of the computer 130to enable entering the timing characterization data, and then removedand inserted into the timer as described above to load the timingcharacterization data into the timer. According to one embodiment, theprogram for storing the timing characterization data may be stored onthe portable memory device, and when the data file on the portablememory device is opened, the program for storing the timingcharacterization data will be automatically opened. Accordingly, aportable memory device provided with the timer when it is purchasedcould provide all of the necessary elements to configure and operate thetimer. Because the portable memory device could be used to configuremultiple timers, a plurality of timers could be provided in a packagewith the portable memory device for purchase by an end user.

The timing characterization data may comprise varying amounts of data,but comprises at least one on/off setting for a timer. As will bedescribed in more detail below, the timing characterization data maycomprises a plurality of sets of data, including different sets forstandard time and daylight savings time. According to some embodiments,the timing characterization data may include a current time and dateentered by a user on the computer program. As will be described in moredetail below, the current date entered by the user may be used todetermine whether to apply a certain set of timing characterizationdata, such as a set of data for daylight savings time. Because a memoryof the timer may comprise a memory having calendar information, such asfuture dates for daylight savings time, the current date would be usedby a control circuit to determine which set of timing data would beused.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 17, a program screen 1702 comprisesa main screen which enables the entry of the minimal amount ofinformation necessary to operate the timer. An on/off field 1704comprises an on time and an off time for each day of the week, whereeach on time and off time has an AM and PM setting. The numbers may beentered by highlighting the current number for a given time, andentering the desired number on the keypad of the computer, for example.

A customization field 1706 enables customization of the entry program.The customization field will not only ease entry of data in the programscreen 1702, but also provide a more desirable performance of the timer.For example, a user may be able to select an option to repeat an entryfor every day of the week. If the user selects that option beforeentering data, the on and off times for Tuesday through Sunday willautomatically be entered to match the times entered for Monday. A usercould also select an option for repeating Monday-Friday and/or repeatingSaturday and Sunday. A user may select an option to enable automaticallysetting a daylight savings time feature. As will be described in moredetail below, the daylight saving time feature could change the time todaylight savings time automatically (based upon a calendar stored in amemory of the timer), and may implement the timer according to daylightsaving time characterization data if available. According to a furtherembodiment, a user may select a staggered on/off timing feature. Thestaggered on/off timing feature will stagger the times that the light isturned on and off relative to the stored time. The on and off times maybe staggered by a varying number of minutes from 1minute to 15 minutes,for example, and would preferably be performed randomly.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, no actuators are providedfor entering the current time or date. Accordingly, the current time anddate must be entered in a field 1708 on the profile screen 1702. Theuser would preferably set the current time just before the timingcharacterization data is saved, so that the user could then just insertthe portable memory device into the timer to store the timingcharacterization data. According to one embodiment of the invention, thecomputer program would prompt a user to enter the current time and dateafter the user attempts to finalize the data.

The user could use the current time and data field 1708 with a timerhaving actuators for entering a time and date, such as the embodimentsof FIGS. 4-6. In that case, the user could also enter the time and dateon the timer in those embodiments, where the timer would ignore datafields having all zeros entered for the value. If the user enters datain the data field 1708, the timer would use that data even if the timerhad date and time actuators, but would change the date and time data inresponse to a later selection of date and time actuators on the timerafter data is input to the timer based upon data entered in the datafield 1708.

The profile screen 1702 could further include an optional field 1709enabling a user to manually set dates for applying a certain set oftiming characterization data, such as daylight savings timingcharacterization data. That is, the user could enter a first dateindicating the date upon which the daylight savings time timingcharacterization data should be applied and a second data indicatingwhen daylight savings time should end and the standard time timingcharacterization data should be applied. By selecting the “Auto Set DST”selection in customization field 1706, daylight savings time timingcharacterization data will automatically be selected by a controlcircuit of the timer between the on and off dates entered in the field1709. Accordingly, if the dates are entered in the field 1709, adaylight savings time actuator would not be necessary on a userinterface of the timer. While the dates for applying a set of timingcharacterization data is shown by way of example for daylight savingstime data, dates could be applied for other sets and more than two setsof data. Finally, if the user would like to set additional features ofthe timer, the user would select the advanced actuator 1710.

Turning now to FIG. 18, a program screen enabling the entry of advancedsettings of timing characterization data by a computer for implementinga light timer is shown. One beneficial feature of a timer is to allowmultiple on/off settings for a given day. In particular, a programscreen 1802 allows a user to select whether the same number of settingswill be provided for each day of the week, Monday-Friday, or Saturdayand Sunday in a field 1804. The user would then enter the appropriatedata in a field 1806. As in the program field 1702, selecting one of theoptions in field 1804 would enable a user to reduce the number ofsettings that would need to be entered. A user would then select a nextfield 1808.

As shown in FIG. 19, a program screen 1902 enables the entry of timingcharacterization data for a plurality of on/off periods for implementinga light timer during Monday-Friday in a field 1904. Because 2 settingswere entered in the program screen 1808 for Monday-Friday, two settingsare provided in the program screen 1902. A user may also go back to aprevious screen by selecting the back actuator 1906. Only a single entryis then shown in the program screen 2002, as shown in FIG. 20. Afterselecting a finish actuator 2006, the user may then use the portablememory device in the timer. As set forth above, the user may be promptedto enter or verify the correct time before finally saving all of thedata.

According to another feature of the invention, a user can set data fordaylight savings time when setting other characterization data. Whendaylight saving times data is entered, the daylight savings data will beused during established periods for daylight savings time. For example,according to the embodiment of FIG. 5 for example, the daylight savingstime data would be applied when a daylight saving time actuator is movedto the on position, indicating that the daylight savings time datashould be applied. If dates for applying daylight savings time timingcharacterization data were entered or calendar dates associated withdaylight savings times stored in a memory of the timer, daylight savingstime data could only be used during those periods. That is, even if theactuator is set to daylight savings time, the timer would only utilizedaylight savings time characterization data when the current date iswithin an established daylight savings period, as established by on/offdates of daylight savings times or calendar information stored in amemory of the timer. If no daylight savings time actuator is provided onthe timer, the timer may automatically apply daylight savings time datawhenever the automatic daylight savings time option is selected, such ason the program screen 1702 and the current time is within theestablished period for daylight savings time.

As shown in FIG. 21, a program screen enables the entry of timingcharacterization data by a computer for an automatic daylight savingsfeature. A first field 2104 is provided for standard time timingcharacterization data, while a second field 2106 is provided fordaylight savings time timing characterization data. The various settingsfor standard time and daylight savings time of fields 2104 and 2106could also include advance features for each set of timingcharacterization data as described above in reference to FIGS. 18-20.

As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, program screens enable the entry multiplesettings of timing characterization data when implementing a light timeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar to theembodiment of FIG. 21, the embodiment of FIG. 22 enables multiplesettings, but the settings may be for different timers. For example, anA setting may be for a timer that is used for the front of the house, aB setting may be used for a timer that is used for the back of thehouse, a C setting may be used for a timer for an indoor light on afirst floor, and a D setting may be used for a timer for an indoor lighton a second floor. However, it should be noted that the user cold setthe A-D settings for any category of timing characterization, such as avacation setting, a school year setting, a summer setting, etc. Bystoring multiple settings of timing characterization data, a singleportable memory device could be used to load timing characterizationdata for multiple timers. Further, providing multiple settings on theportable memory device enables a flexible use of a given timer withouthaving to reload timing characterization data. That is, one of the foursettings designated as settings A-D could be selected by an actuator,such as actuator 602 of FIG. 6, for example. As in the embodiment ofFIG. 21, the various settings could also include advanced features,including features enabling daylight savings time settings for each setof characterization data as described above in reference to FIGS. 18-20.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable memory devicecomprises a proprietary memory device. While any memory device may beused, a proprietary memory device may prevent the timer from accessingincorrect data. According to one embodiment, the proprietary memorydevice comprises a single file which may only be opened on a computer bya program provided by the manufacturer of the timer for storing the data(or by the control circuit of the timer for implementing the data). Thename of the data file could not be changed, and only data associatedwith fields accessible by the user could be entered or changed by theuser. Further, the portable memory device may also contain the computerprogram necessary to enter the timing characterization data.Accordingly, by “double-clicking” on the timing characterization datafile, the computer program necessary to enter the timingcharacterization data will automatically open the timingcharacterization data file, enabling a user to set or change desiredtiming characterization data.

Turning now to FIGS. 23-27, methods of implementing a timer are shown.The methods of FIGS. 23-27 may be implemented using any of the timers orthe program screens of the computer program as described, for example.Although various steps of the methods are described, it should beunderstood that additional steps could be implemented according to otherfeatures and functionality of the timers and program screens asdescribed. It should further understood that the various methods,although shown in different methods, may be employed together.

According to the method of FIG. 23, a flow chart shows a method ofgenerating timing characterization data according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. It is first determined whether a portable memorydevice has a program for entering timing characterization data at a step2302. If not, it is then determined whether a disk is available forenabling access to timing characterization for a portable memory deviceat a step 2304. If not, a program is downloaded to a computer, such asthrough an internet connection by way of the communication network at astep 2306. The program is loaded on the computer at a step 2308, and isopened at a step 2310. Timing characterization data are set at a step2312. It is then determined whether there are advanced features whichmay be set at a step 2312. If so, advanced features of the timingcharacterization datga are set at a step 2316. It is then determinedwhether multiple settings are required at a step 2318. If so, the timingcharacterization data for the next settings are set at a step 2320. Ifnot, the timing characterization data are stored at a step 2322.

Turning now to FIG. 24, a flow chart showing a method of loading timingcharacterization data according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. Timing characterization data is stores on a portablememory device at a step 2402. It is then determined whether the timingcharacterization data needs to be loaded or reloaded at a step 2404. Itis also determined whether the timing characterization data needs to bechanged at a step 2406. If so, new data associated with timingcharacterization data is stored at a step 2408. A portable memory deviceis placed in timer at a step 2410. It is then determined whether aportable memory device is detected at a step 2412. Access by a timer todata stored on portable memory device is enabled at a step 2414. It isthen determined whether the timer requires information by way of a userinterface on the timer at a step 2416. If so, data is received from theuser interface at a step 2418. The timer is then operated according tonew data at a step 2420.

Turning now to FIG. 25, a flow chart shows a method of accessing timingcharacterization data from a plurality of sources according to anembodiment of the present invention. Timing characterization data isstored on a portable memory device at a step 2502. A portable memorydevice is then placed into a timer at a step 2504. It is then determinedwhether a timer requires using the portable memory to operate at a step2506. If not, the timing characterization data is downloaded to aninternal memory at a step 2508. Otherwise, a portable memory device isretained in timer at a step 2510. The timing characterization data isaccessed at a step 2512. The timer is operated according to the timingcharacterization data at a step 2514.

Turning now to FIG. 26, a flow chart shows a method of configuringmultiple timers according to an embodiment the present invention. Timingcharacterization data is stored on a portable memory device at a step2602. It is then determined whether the portable memory device isdetected in the timer at a step 2604. Timing characterization data istransferred to an internal memory of the timer at a step 2606. Theportable memory device is removed at a step 2608. Settings are selectedon a user interface of the device as necessary at a step 2610. It isthen determined whether additional timers need to be configured at astep 2612. If so, the portable memory device is inserted into anothertimer at a step 2614. The timer or timers are then operated according todata from the portable memory device at a step 2616.

Turning now to FIG. 27, a flow chart shows a method of implementing atimer using a wireless transceiver according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. A wireless receiver is coupled to a timer at a step2702. Timing characterization data is received from a computer by way ofthe wireless receiver at a step 2704. The timing characterization datais stored in a memory of the timer at a step 2706. The timer is operatedaccording to the timing characterization data at a step 2708. It is thendetermined whether new timing characterization data is to be stored inthe memory of the timer at a step 2710.

Accordingly, the timer and methods of the present invention may providean interface to set the time and day for the timer, and receives allother information from a portable memory device. More particularly, thetimer has a simple interface for setting the current time and day of theweek, such as one button to change the hour, one button to change theminute and one button to change the day of the week, where each of thehour, minute and day is shown on the display. The timer comprises a slotfor receiving a portable memory device, such as a memory deviceincluding but not limited to an SD card, Sony memory stick, or portableUSB memory device.

A system employing the timer comprises a software tool enabling a userto program the portable memory device in a slot of the computer. Whenthe user opens a file for the timer, the software tool enables the userto view and change the settings (i.e. on/off times for each day) of theprofile. When changes are made and accepted by the user, the user canthen replace the portable memory device in the timer which willimplement a timing function based upon the settings of the file storedin the portable memory device. The software tool for viewing andchanging the settings may be provided to the user with the timer at thetime of purchase, or downloaded by the user from a website associatedwith the manufacturer of the timer.

The interface on timer may provide a portion of the input with theremaining input coming from the portable memory device. The portablememory device may remain in the timer or may be used to provide data tobe stored in a memory on the timer. The interface on the timer mayupdate data stored in its memory upon detection of receiving theportable memory device or when the user selects a “configure” buttonafter inserting the portable memory device. The content of the portablememory device may be used with multiple timers. Multiple profiles may bestored on the portable memory device and used by the timer, eitherdirectly from the portable memory device or after being downloaded tothe timer.

The user interface of the timer is adapted to select different modes.The user interface of the timer is adapted to select between a standardtime mode and a daylight savings mode, where the timer not onlyautomatically changes the time to the correct time, but also accesses adifferent profile. The user interface may also have a selection optionfor selecting between multiple profiles (e.g. profiles A-D). The userwould create the profiles A-D, and select a given profile for each timerusing a selector on the user interface of the timer. The user couldeasily change the “A-D” setting to change the operation of timer withouthaving to reconfigure it. For example, the user may want have an Asetting for indoor lights downstairs, a B setting for indoor lightsupstairs, and a C setting for outdoor lights in the front of the houseand a D setting for outdoor lights in the back of the house. The usermay set all of the outdoor lights to the C setting, but when onvacation, may want to keep the lights in the back of the house onlonger, and set it to the D setting.

The user interface of the software tool implemented on a separatecomputer is arranged to enable a range of operation from a very simpleconfiguration of “on/off” settings for each day of the week, to a morecomplex configuration which allows multiple settings for each day andother variations in the time that a light would be turned on. The timermay allow for staggering of times to avoid the appearance that a timeris used. For example, if a timer is set to be on from 7:00 PM to 11:00PM each night, it may go on anywhere from 6:30 to 11:30, where theon/off times are not only staggered between nights in a week, but alsofor a given night (e.g. Tuesday) over a number of weeks. In any case,the user interface is simple to enable entering the times for each day,for each profile (e.g. A-D), etc., and other features are easy to selectand customize.

On benefit of the timer and methods of the present invention is thatthey significantly reduce the environmental impact of the use of lightsin building structures. By using the timers and implementing the methodsof the present invention, the amount of time that lights may be on in abuilding may be significantly reduced, thereby reducing the amount ofenergy necessary to use the lights. That is, because the timers aresimple and convenient to use, a greater number of people would use thetimers, and more particularly the most efficient use of energy necessaryto provide lighting in a building. Even people who may not otherwisewish to use a timer or adjust a timer that is not providing the righttiming settings may be willing to use a timer. Because lighting forbuildings requires such a significant amount of power, the aggregatereduction in power across the world would significantly reduce theamount of energy required to light buildings, and therefore reduce theenvironmental impact resulting from the production of power to light thebuildings.

It can therefore be appreciated that the new and novel timer and methodof implementing a timer has been described. It will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that numerous alternatives and equivalents willbe seen to exist which incorporate the disclosed invention. As a result,the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing embodiments, butonly by the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A circuit in a configurable light timer for receiving datato control the operation of the configurable light timer, the circuitcomprising: an input portion coupled to receive first data from aportable memory device by way of a connector on the configurable lighttimer, wherein the input portion further comprises actuators enablingthe entry of second data; a memory, separate from the portable memorydevice, storing timing characterization data comprising the first dataand the second data; and a data transceiver coupled to receive wirelesscommunication signals according to a wireless communication protocol,the wireless communication signals comprising third data forimplementing the configurable light timer; wherein the third datacoupled to the configurable light timer by way of the wirelesscommunication link comprises timing characterization data and is storedin the memory; and wherein the timing characterization data stored inthe memory comprises a first date when first timing characterizationdata is to be applied and a second date indicating when the first timingcharacterization data is to end.
 2. The circuit of claim 1 wherein theconnector comprises a slot for receiving the portable memory device. 3.The circuit of claim 1 wherein the second data comprises a current timeentered using the actuators.
 4. The circuit of claim 1 wherein thetiming characterization data comprises at least one on/off setting forthe configurable light timer.
 5. The circuit of claim 1 wherein the datatransceiver comprises a wireless communication module.
 6. The circuit ofclaim 1 wherein the memory is coupled to receive the first datacomprising at least one on/off setting from the portable memory device.7. The circuit of claim 1 wherein the third data comprises an update totiming characterization data stored in the memory.
 8. A circuit in aconfigurable light timer for receiving data to control the operation ofthe configurable light timer, the circuit comprising; a timer having aninput portion adapted to receive a portable memory device and comprisingactuators enabling the entry of first data; a memory coupled to storethe first data; and a data transceiver coupled to the timer, the datatransceiver adapted to receive second data according to a wirelesscommunication protocol by way of a wireless communication link; whereinthe second data coupled to the timer by way of the wirelesscommunication link comprises timing characterization data and is storedin the memory; and wherein the timing characterization data stored inthe memory comprises a first date when first timing characterizationdata is to be applied and a second date indicating when the first timingcharacterization data is to end.
 9. The circuit of claim 8 wherein thememory is further coupled to store at least one an/off time of thesecond data received by the data transceiver.
 10. The circuit of claim 8wherein the second data coupled to the timer by way of the wirelesscommunication link comprises an update of timing characterization datastored in the memory.
 11. The circuit of claim 10 wherein the update oftiming characterization data comprises at least one on/off setting forthe configurable light timer.
 12. The circuit of claim 8 wherein thetiming characterization data is transferred to the timer and stored in amemory of the timer in real time.
 13. The circuit of claim 8 furthercomprising an on/off actuator enabling manually overriding the timingcharacterization data.
 14. The circuit of claim 8 wherein the portablememory device provides data comprising timing characterization data tothe timer.
 15. A method of receiving data at a configurable light timerto control the operation of the configurable light timer, the methodcomprising: receiving a portable memory device in the configurable lighttimer; receiving first data comprising timing characterization data byway of actuators enabling the entry of data; receiving second data at adata transceiver according to a predetermined wireless communicationprotocol, the second data comprising timing characterization data forimplementing the configurable light timer; storing the first data andthe second data in a memory of the configurable light timer; andimplementing the configurable light timer using the timingcharacterization data; wherein the timing characterization data storedin the memory comprises a first date when first timing characterizationdata is to be applied and a second date indicating when the first timingcharacterization data is to end.
 16. The method of claim 15 whereinreceiving second data at the data transceiver comprises updating timingcharacterization data stored in the memory.
 17. The method of claim 16wherein the updating of timing characterization data comprises providingat least one on/off setting for the configurable light timer.
 18. Themethod of claim 16 wherein implementing the configurable light timercomprises accessing the timing characterization data from the memory.19. The method of claim 15 further comprising downloading second timingcharacterization data from the portable memory device to the memory ofthe configurable light timer.
 20. The method of claim 15 furthercomprising enabling manually overriding the timing characterization databy way of an on/off actuator.